“Since it looks like you have your arms full, give me a minute to grab your bag, and I’ll follow you.”
“She has food in her jacket,” one of the haters said angrily.
I laughed.
“Thank you, Captain Obvious. He said as much as I can carry.”
The man’s gaze hardened on me and flicked to Matt.
“Things are getting out of hand here real fast, Matt. People are starting to wonder if you’re trying to lead us into a better future, signing us up for death, or worse, bitches to those fucking devils.”
I snorted.
“Are you actually saying death is better than getting help? You’re a complete dumbass.” I looked at Matt. “This is getting heavy.”
His gaze flicked between the hater and me before he ran his hand through his hair.
“I’ll be right back,” he muttered.
The guy continued to stare at me. “If you need help with that, I’d be happy to carry it for half.”
“No chance in hell. If you want food, get your lazy ass in one of those trucks.”
“So those fey can lead us to our deaths? Not happening.”
“Do I look dead to you?”
Something mean and ugly flickered in the depths of his eyes before his gaze shifted to the wall.
“They sure do have a fascination with women,” he said. “I’m surprised they let you go.”
I followed his gaze and saw more than half the fey watching us. Tor wasn’t among them. Hopefully, he was already making his way to the house. I’d need to talk to him about letting the others know not to be so obvious, though.
“They don’t run a prison camp over there.”
He made a speculative noise and glanced at my food again.
“Eyes up here,” I said. “Unless you’re casing my haul.”
He smirked.
“Not at all. You’re the girl who was with that guy who was beaten, aren’t you? How’s he doing?”
“Don’t know,” I said with an indifferent shrug I didn’t feel. “We’re not together anymore.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Why’s that?”
“He could carry more.”
A heavy weight lifted from my shoulders at what he was insinuating, and I did my best to look intimidated when he smiled coldly at me. I swallowed hard, playing along. Let him think he had his easy prey. This time, I wouldn’t be the one held down and terrorized.
His smirk disappeared a moment later, and he nodded to Matt as he rejoined me.
“You ready?” Matt asked.
“Yes,” I whispered.
The man grinned, thinking he had me cowed. I curled my shoulders, willing to play the part.
For now.